Biology and fishery of wam Muraenesox talabonoides (Bleeker)

Abstract

Medium sized Warn, Muraenesox talabonoides (Bleeker) belonging to
110.5-130.5 cm size groups dominated the offshore catch, while size groups, smaller
and larger than these mainly contributed to the inshore catch due probably io
gear selection. Small sciaenids (dhoma) appear to be the favoured food ite.n of
offshore warn. High incidence of empty stomachs was recorded in offshore warn.
Significant deviation of sex ratio occured in wam larger than 135 cm. The length
at first maturity in female is 120 cm and in male 105 cm. Fecundity varied in
specimens of different length and significantly in specimens of the same length.
'Peak of spawning appears to be in May, foUowjd by a possible secondary spawning
around September. Spawning ground of warn may extend from Bombay to
iKutch. Wam landings formed an average 7.5 per cent of the trawler catch. Catch
and catch rate were th« highest in the third quarter of all the years.